Invida to Commercialize Three Ipsen Drugs in Asia Pacific Countries

Invida negotiated exclusive distribution and promotion rights to a number of Ipsen’s endocrinology and oncology drugs in selected South-East Asian countries. Products included in the agreement are Diphereline®, Somatuline® Autogel®, and Increlex.

The deal covers Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and India, with the exception of Diphereline in Thailand. Invida will be responsible for filing and commercializing the drugs in its licensed territories.

Diphereline is a decapeptide analogue of GnRH licensed by Debiopharm to Ipsen for Europe and certain other countries. The drug is approved in various global markets, primarily for the treatment of advanced metastatic prostate cancer, but also in some countries for treating uterine fibroids, endometriosis, IVF, and precocious puberty. Diphereline made worldwide sales in excess of €250 million (approximately $332.69 million) in 2009, Ipsen states.

Somatuline Autogel is a somastatin analogue, developed initially for the treatment of acromegaly and, subsequently, for treating symptoms associated with neuroendocrine tumors. Combined sales of Somatuline and Somatuline Autogel amounted to nearly €140 million (about $186.3 million) in 2009.

Increlex is a recombinant insulin-like growth factor of human origin (IGF-1). The drug is indicated for the treatment of severe primary IGF-1 in children and adolescents. Sales in 2009 approached €21 million (roughly $27.94 million).

Ipsen’s evp and COO, Christophe Jean, believes that the partnership will expedite the time to market for these products in its licensed regions. Invida is a pharmaceutical commercialization services company in Asia Pacific with over 4,000 employees across 13 countries.